Heikes will train Jueden during the month of August.

Commissioners also spent much of their July 28 meeting discussing how local government responsibilities should be divided, from village zoning administration to fire district boundaries, as they worked to clarify procedures and ensure future decisions follow the law.

The discussion centered on interlocal agreements that would formalize the county’s role in administering zoning for villages that do not have their own zoning process, particularly Belden. Commissioners also discussed whether similar agreements should be offered to Obert and St. Helena.

Zoning Administrator Tim Gobel said the current arrangement has led to questions about authority and responsibilities, particularly regarding who has the final say on zoning decisions and what responsibilities fall to the county.

Commissioners said any agreement should clearly state that nuisance complaints remain the responsibility of the villages and that villages would retain final authority over zoning decisions after the county completes its administrative review.

County Attorney Ron Temple will be asked to prepare an interlocal agreement outlining those responsibilities for commissioners and village officials to review.

Commissioners also discussed a request involving the Randolph and Belden fire districts after the Randolph and Belden fire chiefs submitted letters seeking to transfer a quarter section of land from the Belden Fire District into the Randolph Fire District. The request involves a property owner who is constructing a new home in the Belden Fire District but wishes to remain in the Randolph Fire District in order to retain a seat on the Randolph Fire Board.

County Clerk Jessica Schmit said state law requires boundary changes to be approved by resolutions adopted by each fire district’s governing board rather than letters signed by the fire chiefs.

Commissioners agreed the proposal should be returned to the fire district boards to follow the statutory processbefore any boundary change could be considered.

Officials also noted the change could not be completed this year because of statutory deadlines related to fire district valuations.

In other business, Highway Superintendent Carla Schmit told commissioners the bid opening for a planned box culvert project has been postponed until Sept. 8 to allow engineers additional time to revise the project design.

Schmit also reported receiving confirmation from the Nebraska Board of Public Roads Classification and Standards that the county’s Menominee bridge project can be designed using urban standards, allowing engineers to proceed without requesting a relaxation of standards. Minor design adjustments to the roadway curve will still be necessary before the project moves forward.

Commissioners also continued discussing whether to develop a county policy governing dust control applications on county roads.

Schmit said a representative from a West Point company is expected to attend a future meeting to explain available dust-control products and answer questions to provide commissioners with more information before they decide whether to pursue a formal policy.

Gobel also presented a zoning permit application for Brooky Bottom Recreational Development, Pct. 6, for construction of a 12-by-12-foot well house.

The board went into executive session at 10:30 a.m. to discuss personnel matters.

The next County Commissioner meeting is scheduled for Aug. 11 at 8:30 a.m.

Directors from the Randolph, Hartington and Laurel public libraries appeared before the Cedar County Board of Commissioners to share how county funding helps maintain and expand services for residents.

Lied Randolph Public Library Director Peggy Leiting said the library continues to provide services at a level above comparable libraries across Nebraska.

According to statistics submitted to the Nebraska Library Commission, Randolph Library ranks in the 97th percentile among similarly sized Nebraska libraries for circulation and community programming. Leiting said the library hosted 208 programs this year with 3,490 attendees and ranked highly for public internet computer use and annual service hours.

“Our community support shows how important our library is to many people,” Leiting said.”

Leiting also highlighted the library’s makerspace program, which allows community members to learn how to use specialized equipment and complete projects.

Lied Randolph Public Library currently receives $7,500 anually in county support. Hartington Public Library Director Tami Anderson said the library serves residents throughout much of Cedar County, including patrons from nearby villages and rural areas.

“We are truly a countywide resource,” Anderson said.

Anderson said Hartington Public Library recorded 210 programs this year and continues to see increasing demand for both physical materials and digital resources through services such as Libby, an app that allows patrons to access digital books and audiobooks.

Hartington Public Library also reported one of the highest circulation rates per capita in Nebraska and emphasized that county funding is used toward books, supplies and maintaining current programs, Anderson said.

The Hartington Public Library currently receives $13,500 annually in county support.

The Laurel Public Library, which operates as a partnership between the city and school, introduced new director Denise Kinkaid, who recently transitioned into the position after serving as a third grade teacher at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge.

Kinkaid said one of her goals is making the library more welcoming and accessible to the public.

“I just wanted to introduce myself and say thank you for supporting all the libraries in Cedar County,” Kinkaid said. “It’s not getting any cheaper. The price is always rising, and we need as much help as we can to get our libraries where they need to be.”

Kinkaid said Laurel Public Library’s summer reading program had 101 participants this year, including children, teenagers and adults. The library also hosted 44 events with 627 attendees.

One challenge she identified is help ing residents better locate and access the library, which is housed within the school building.

Commissioners discussed the need for improved signage to direct residents to the library entrance and suggested the library explore grant opportunities to help fund improvements.

The Laurel Public Library currently receives $3,500 annually in county support.

Commissioners expressed support for the county’s continued involvement with local libraries.

“I think every one of our libraries does a wonderful job,” District 3 Commissioner Dave McGregor said. “I’m glad that the county is a part of helping the libraries. It’s important for us. We have our kids to think about.”

During discussion following the presentations, commissioners considered increasing county contributions to the libraries. A proposal included providing $14,000 to the Hartington Public Library, $7,750 to the Lied Randolph Public Library and $5,000 to the Laurel Public Library, representing an overall increase from the previous year.

Though generally agreed upon by the board of commissioners, funding amounts are subject to change until the entire budget is complete, County Clerk Jessica Schmit said.

MARTINSBURG — A Quilt of Valor ceremony here Sunday became a family reunion of sorts when nine individuals from the same family were recognized for their military service and support.

Eight members of the Gene and Jo Sullivan family, Randolph, received quilts – Nick Sullivan, Shawn Sullivan, Casey Sullivan, Richard Sullivan, Britni Miller, Brandi Sullivan, Matthew Miller and Dusty Sullivan. At the ceremony, Jo was surprised with a special quilt honoring her support of military service.

“It’s incredibly special,” Casey Sullivan said of the honor. “Military service has never been about one individual in our family, but a shared commonality of serving something greater than ourselves. Receiving Quilts of Valor together reminds us that while each of our journeys was unique, we are connected by the same values of service, sacrifice and love of country.”

Casey is in his 25th year of service, currently ranked as Lt. Col. and Special Forces officer in the U.S. Army. He had never heard of the Quilt of Valor before being notified that he was selected to receive a quilt.

The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor, awarded by nomination. The Sullivans’ quilts were handcrafted by the Northeast Nebraska Quilts of Valor group based in Allen.

Shawn Sullivan, who currently serves as a 1st Sgt. In the Nebraska Army National Guard, had heard of the Quilt of Valor Foundation but never dreamed he would one day be a recipient.

“Knowing that members of the community invested their time, talent and care into creating something so personal is incredibly meaningful,” he said. “It represents appreciation not just for me, but for every service member who has answered the call to serve.”

Serving in the military was not something that was pushed heavily by his parents, but Nick Sullivan said he was influenced to join the Navy as a petty officer because of his maternal grandfather who served during World War II.

“When he would tell stories, the pride in his voice was overwhelmingly powerful,” Nick said. “You couldn’t help but want to do something along the lines of military or serving the greater good in some way.” The Sullivan patriarch, the late Gene, also served in the National Guard. Both Gene and Jo instilled values of humility, hard work, integrity, resilience and selfless service from an early age, the Sullivan brothers said. Even those siblings who did not choose a military path live by the same principles. “We were raised to work hard, be accountable, and leave things better than we found them,” Shawn said. “None of us see ourselves as extraordinary. We were simply fortunate to have parents who taught us the importance of serving something greater than ourselves, and we were able to step up to fill the need.” He said many moments stand out from his time in service but it’s the people he serves with that mean the most - other Americans from all backgrounds trusting each other in demanding situations. “Seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things for each other leaves a lasting impression,” he said. No one serves with an expectation of recognition, which is why the Quilt of Valor is so meaningful with every stitch an expression of appreciation. “It’s a powerful reminder that our service and the sacrifices of our families have not been forgotten,” Casey said. “Military service is never an individual journey. It is shared by spouses, parents, children, siblings and loved ones who sacrifice alongside us. Receiving this honor together is something our family will cherish for generations.”

RANDOLPH — Rev. and Mrs.

Douglas Crowder and three daughters recently returned to the States from Sandoa, Congo, Africa where they are missionaries, and are visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Graham.

At the conclusion of their visit they will return to Africa.

Aug. 11, 1966

RANDOLPH — Jana Patent, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Patent, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with majors in Home Economics and Library Science at Wayne State College commencement exercises.

She will be high school librarian in the Plainview Pubic Schools for the fall term.

Aug. 11, 1966

RANDOLPH — Zach Boughn, who teaches at Randolph High, has just completed an eight week institute at the University of South Dakota for teachers and supervisors of United States History.

He was the recipient of a grant under the National Defense Education Act.

Aug. 11, 1966

RANDOLPH — St. Frances students, Jane Billerbeck, Jane Olberding, Kathy Schmit and Sharlene Gubbels and instructor, Sister M. Amator, O.S.F. are attending the Great Plains Conference on the Apostolate at Creighton University. Rev. Emmett Meyer took the students to Omaha and is also attending the conference.

Aug. 5, 1971

RANDOLPH — Jerry Fichter, John Rudebusch and Dwight Rossbach attended the Lutheran Circle R Bible Camp sponsored by the Northeast Nebraska Luther League Conference at Millard from July 25 to Sunday, Aug. 1.

Of interest during their week spent at Camp was a 30 mile canoe trip on the Elkhorn River. The boys were sponsored by St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Aug. 5, 1971

RANDOLPH — Seaman Bill Lenhoff was discharged on Monday, July 26 at Treasure Island, San Francisco, Calif.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Don Lenhoff, Tim, Mick and Donna met himv at the Omaha Airport.

Seaman Lenhoff served the past year on the U. S. S. Kitty Hawk stationed off the coast of Vietnam.

Prior to his active duty he spent a year inactive duty in the Naval Reserves.

Aug. 5, 1976

RANDOLPH — Mark Viergutz has graduated from the two year Agricultural Banking program at the Pipestone area Vocational Technical Institute in Pipestone, Minn. on Sunday.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Viergutz, Mark is employed at the Toy National Bank in Sioux City, Ia.

Aug. 5, 1976

RANDOLPH — Dolly Kruse of Norfolk, state hospital chairman of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary was present for the meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 5545 on Wednesday.

She then presented pins to local members in honor of their hospital hours earned: Mrs. Ben Lienemann, 150 hours; Katherine Hosch, 500 hours; Mrs. Pearl Bauer, 500 hours and Mrs. Henry Sauser, 300 hours.

RANDOLPH — Sgt. Wilfred Barker and his wife, a German girl, and their son, Johnny arrived in Randolph and are visiting his mother, Mrs. Ida Barker.

Sgt. Barker, who had been stationed in Germany for a lengthy period, will now be in the states. He has a 30-day furlough.

Aug. 9, 1956

RANDOLPH — Keith O’Brien, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo O’Brien, recently received his discharge after two years in the U.S. Army. He recently completed a tour of duty in Germany.

Aug. 9, 1956

RANDOLPH — With all of their nine children present, Mr. and Mrs.

Nick Borst, Sr., Randolph community residents 48 years, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Aug. 1.

The couple farmed north of Randolph 40 years, moving to their present home in Randolph in 1948.

Aug. 9, 1956

RANDOLPH — Randolph FFA will be hosts to their annual watermelon feed for rural eighth grade graduates on Wednesday evening at the Randolph Public School.

All rural boys in the surrounding area are invited.

Aug. 10, 1961

RANDOLPH — Larry Haselhorst was first place winner in the judging event at the Randolph Community Fair held on Tuesday.

A total of 76 youths competed.

Mike Robinson and Lonnie Ehrhardt won second and third place respectively. Calvin Kruger’s 995 pound Angus was selected as the reserve champion steer at the Randolph Community Fair. The reserve champion heifer was shown by David Meyer.

RANDOLPH — Mrs. Kate Sauser was taken on Saturday night to Sioux City, where she underwent an emergency appendectomy on Sunday morning. She is a patient in St. Joseph’s hospital.

Mrs. Sauser is recovering satisfactorily from the ordeal.

July 31, 1941

RANDOLPH —The family of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Thelan was doubly bereaved the past week when Mrs.

Thelan’s father, Nick Koppes of Hanover, Kan., died on Tuesday and Mr. Thelan’s father, Anton Thelan, of this vicinity, passed away on Thursday.

Services for Mr. Koppes, a lifetime resident of Hanover, were held Friday in St. Joseph’s Church there. Mrs.

Tony Thelan was unable to attend, but her sister, Mrs. Nick Thelan, and Mr. Thelan of Hugo, Colo., were in Hanover for the funeral. They then came on to Randolph and were present Saturday morning for the services for Anton Thelan.

Aug. 8, 1946

RANDOLPH — Two Navy men and an Army man recently discharged from the service are Seaman 1c (ARM) Robert D. Rohde, Fireman 1c Omar W. Smith of McLean and Pfc. Alfred Kruger.

Aug. 8, 1946

RANDOLPH — Kenneth F. Finn enlisted the past week in the U.S. Navy and is at Great Lakes naval training station.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Finn, he has attended Wayne State College and this past year was a student at the University of Nebraska.

Aug. 8, 1946 RANDOLPH — Miss Tillie Idler of Minneapolis, Minn., former Randolph resident and teacher, leaves soon for Germany where she has received an appointment to teach for the coming year. She will instruct in a school for children of GI’s.

Aug. 8, 1946

RANDOLPH — Mrs. Cecelia Cochran went to Omaha the first of the week to serve as a nurse in the polio wards at one of the hospitals there. A registered nurse, she is one of many in the state who have responded to the call for nurses to attend polio patients.

Aug. 2, 1951

RANDOLPH — Bill Petsche, son of Mrs. Myron Bloomer, left Tuesday for induction into army service. He graduated from the University of Nebraska college of pharmacy in June. His brother, Jim, is in the navy.

Aug. 2, 1951

RANDOLPH — Twenty-nine floats have been entered for the 1951 Junior Fair. The parade will be led by the 4-H saddle horse club of which Leonard Robinson is leader.

Aug. 2, 1951

RANDOLPH — John Gubbels, Sr. marked his 92nd birthday anniversary on Sunday and the occasion was celebrated with a family gettogether at the Gubbels home.

Aug. 2, 1951

RANDOLPH — To make their prowess undisputed, the Farmers took another softball game from the City Slickers Tuesday night, and made it two in a row out of as many games played. The Farmers won easily 18-11.

RANDOLPH — Lonnie Bermel’s softball team came out of the losers bracket on Sunday to win the Daddy Jack’s Mixed Softball Tournament.

The championship team won in the opening round when they defeated Green View and won their next game against Monk’s before being dropped into the losers bracket.

In the losers bracket they won games every hour for three hours before they reached the finals against Rick Arens team. After defeating the Arens team the first time, they won again to claim the championship.

The Arens team was the second place finisher.

A total of 15 teams played in the tournament that was held at the two local fields over the weekend.

Members of the winning team are: Sherry Strathman, Melanie Strathman, Inga Brodersen, Jackie Johnson, Theresa Thies, Mark Anderson, Rick Dominisse, Dan List, Rick Alderson, Brian Frerichs, Scott Frerichs, Jack Sievers and Lonnie Bermel.

RANDOLPH — Lower taxes is about the best news that Randolph citizens can hear. For this year the tax check will be materially reduced, for at its meeting Tuesday night the city council voted a levy of 20.3 mills, which is 4.4 less than last year and means that the city will raise approximately $11,000 less money than last year, this amount representing the saving in taxes to our city as a whole.

The total valuation of Randolph this year is given as $1,203,257 which is less than last year. The railways, however, are not figured in this figure for the reason that both roads are protesting the valuation and the matter is not yet decided. Last year the railway valuation here was $92,239. The money to be raised by taxes for the city is $24,426.

The reason for high taxes last year was that the county board boosted our valuation 20 per cent, and this was done after the city levy was made and the figures filed with the county clerk thus giving no chance for correction.

City Treasurer Hahn figures that the real tax saving this year, taking into account the raise of 5 mills made each year by the county board, is 9.4 mills. A cut of .55 mills by the state made public this week should bring joy to everybody.

Aug. 5, 1926

RANDOLPH — A lone auto bandit collected a little silver from a Pierce youth Sunday evening, the work being that of an amateur it is thought. Herbert Magdanz, about 18 years old, and the son of H. F. Magdanz of Pierce, a well known retired farmer, was driving Sunday evening about 9 o’clock to the home of his brother John Magdanz 7 miles northeast of Pierce. The young man was accompanied by Lawrence Carstens and two young ladies. At a point a short distance off the highway leading to Norfolk and a half mile east of Pierce, and on a cross road, an auto parked across the road was encountered. Young Magdanz, who was driving, stopped his car and at once the hold-up artist thrust a revolver against his side, and kept poking the muzzle into the ribs of the youth, saying, “Hand it over.”

The bandit didn’t take the trouble to search the party, and Herbert had to reach in his own pocket and hand over three dollars and some small change, all the money he had with him.

This small amount was evidently satisfactory, for the stick-up man jumped into his car and drove rapidly toward Norfolk without molesting any others in the party.

Magdanz and his friends drove on to his brother’s farm and there told the story of the hold-up.

Beyond being bold in his work, there was nothing further to show that the robber was other than some one in need of funds making a desperate effort to get a few dollars. No very good description of the robber was obtained, we understand.

Aug. 5, 1926

RANDOLPH — Last Sunday, real early, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Reed and two daughters, Mr. and Mrs. George Reed and four children and their sister, Mrs. L. L. Locker, left Randolph for Scotia in Greeley County, their former home. Dave Reed, an old timer in Randolph, and now living at Ansley, met the party at Scotia and together they spent the day. A picnic dinner in the Scotia park, a few hours on the banks of the North Loup nearby and the sociability of the outing was enjoyed.

The boys visited the Scotia cemetery where their father and mother, brother and sister are resting and saw that the graves were well kept.

Two brothers, who live at a distance, would have made a complete family reunion.

Peekin’

into the

Past

From Jan. 1 through July 15, the state’s Unclaimed Property Division paid $13,783,664 through 11,408 claims. The average claim was about $1,200.

During all of 2025, the state returned approximately $19.7 million through nearly 20,000 claims.

Unclaimed property includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, unpaid wages, stocks, life insurance proceeds, safe deposit box contents and other financial assets.

Under Nebraska law, the State Treasurer’s Office holds the property until the rightful owner or an heir submits a claim.

“This isn’t the state’s money — we’re simply safeguarding it until the owners or their heirs come forward to claim it,” State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg said.

Since Nebraska’s unclaimed property law took effect in the late 1960s, the state has returned more than $315 million to owners.

State officials estimate about one in five Nebraskans has unclaimed property. Money is waiting to be claimed in all 93 counties.

Residents may search for unclaimed property at NebraskaLostCash. nebraska.gov. The free online database can be searched using the names of individuals, family members, businesses or organizations.

Those who find a match may begin the claims process online. For more information, contact the Unclaimed Property Division at 877572-9688 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A fall turkey permit is valid statewide, and each hunter may have no more than one fall permit per calendar year. Also:

•The fall bag limit allows the take of one turkey of either sex with a shotgun or archery equipment.

•Fall turkey permits are valid only for the year they are purchased.

•All turkey harvests must be reported via Telecheck. Visit Outdoor-Nebraska.gov/hunt/telecheck/.

•The fall turkey season is Oct. 1-Nov. 30.

•Permit prices are $34 for residents, $158 for nonresidents, $8.50 for youth, $18.50 for resident landowners, and $80.50 for nonresident landowners.

Visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’ s permitting site, GoOutdoorsNE.com, or a permitting office to purchase permits starting Aug. 10.

For more information on turkey hunting in Nebraska, visit Outdoor-Nebraska.gov. View the 2026 Turkey Guide on the website.

Thursday, Aug. 6: Citrus BBQ chicken, country blend vegetables, buttered noodles, lemon cream cake, strawberries.

Friday, Aug. 7: Cheeseburger casserole, coleslaw, fruit cup.

Monday, Aug. 10: Baked ziti, grilled zucchini & squash, peanut butter and jelly, apple slices, garlic bread.

Tuesday, Aug. 11: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes w/gravy, mixed vegetables, Texas sheet cake, pears.

ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: My Favorite Photo — Purple ribbon Kit Class: Article Made From Kit — Purple ribbon Ava Bach, Randolph

Communications: Caring Correspondence - LEVEL 1-PICKING UP THE PIECES — Blue ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Cookies/Bars — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: No Bake Cookie — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Cereal Bar Cookie — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Snack Mix — Blue ribbon Cooking 201 (11–14-year-olds): Biscuits or Scones — Purple ribbon Cooking 301 - (14–18-year-olds): Specialty Rolls — Purple ribbon, Champion Overall Breads Cake Decorating: Jr. 2 tips — Purple ribbon Rabbit - Market Rabbits: Rabbit - Roaster — Purple ribbon Rabbit - Showmanship: Jr. Rabbit Showmanship 4-H Age 8-12 — Purple ribbon Bach Family , Randolph

Herdsmanship: Livestock and Small Animal 4-H Family — Purple ribbon Brantley Long, Randolph

Entomology: Second Year Entomology Display — Blue ribbon Brielle Backer, Randolph

ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: People, Places, or Pets with Personality Display or Print — Purple ribbon STEAM Clothing 2: Two-Piece Outfit — Purple ribbon, Champion Jr. 4-H Clothing Construction -state fair Kit Class: Article Made From Kit — Purple ribbon Kit Class: Lego Kit – must be in a container such as a flat pop box — Purple ribbon Design Decision: Accessory –3D string art, wreaths, etc. — Purple ribbon Fashion Show: STEAM Clothing 2 - 11 & Younger — Purple ribbon, Reserve Champion Junior Style Revue Conservation & Wildlife: Reptile or Amphibian Display — Purple ribbon, state fair Judging Contests: Family & Consumer Science - Jr. Life Challenge (11 & Younger). — Purple ribbon Floriculture: Fairy or Miniature Garden — Purple ribbon Brooks Horning, Randolph

Clover Buds/Kids - Food and Nutrition: One Decorated Cupcake — Green ribbon Corby Robinson, Randolph

Design Decision: Accessory –3D string art, wreaths, etc. — Blue ribbon Design Decision: Accessory –Recycled/Upcycled Item for the home — Purple ribbon Design Decision: Accessory – Outdoor Living — Blue ribbon Outdoor Adventures: Expedition Safety — Purple ribbon, state fair Food Preservation UNIT 2 DRYING: Dried Fruit — Blue ribbon Food Preservation UNIT 2 DRYING: Dried Herbs — Blue ribbon Swine Showmanship: Sr. Swine Showmanship 4-H Age 13-18 — Blue ribbon Market Swine: Market Gilts — Purple ribbon Market Swine: Market Barrows. — Purple ribbon Floriculture: Petunia — Red ribbon Floriculture: Coneflower — Blue ribbon Floriculture: Any other perennial — Purple ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Basil — Purple ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Mint — Purple ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Oregano — Blue ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Thyme — Purple ribbon Dylan Schutt, Randolph

Herdsmanship: Livestock and Small Animal 4-H Family — Purple ribbon Beef Showmanship: Senior Beef Showmanship 4-H Age 15 - 18 — Purple ribbon Market Beef: Market Heifers — Purple ribbon Emilee Olson, Randolph

Sheep Showmanship: Senior Sheep Showmanship 4-H Age 13-18 — Purple ribbon, Champion Senior Sheep Showman Market Sheep: Market Wether Lambs (All breeds) — Purple ribbon, Overall Champion 4-H Market Sheep Breeding Sheep: Breeding Ewe Lambs (Ewes born 9/1/2025 and after are classed as lambs. — Purple ribbon, Champion 4-H Breeding Ewe Emillee Backer, Randolph

ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: Get in Close Display or Print — Purple ribbon, Reserve Champion Sr. 4-H Photography Exhibit ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: My Favorite Photo — Purple ribbon STEAM Clothing 2: Two-Piece Outfit — Blue ribbon Kit Class: Article Made From Kit — Purple ribbon Design Decision: Accessory –3D string art, wreaths, etc. — Purple ribbon Fashion Show: Modeled Constructed STEAM 2 Garments (12 & Older) — Purple ribbon Cooking 201 (11–14-year-olds): Loaf Quick Bread — Purple ribbon Cooking 201 (11–14-year-olds): Creative Mixes — Purple ribbon Cooking 201 (11–14-year-olds): Healthy Baked Product — Blue ribbon Judging Contests: Family & Consumer - Sr. Life Challenge (12 & Older). — Purple ribbon Floriculture: Fairy or Miniature Garden — Purple ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Vegetable Seed Display — Purple ribbon Gabriel Olson, Randolph

Citizenship: Patriotic or Cultural Fine Arts — Purple ribbon, state fair Communications: Storyboard a 4-H Project - LEVEL 1-PICKING UP THE PIECES — Blue ribbon ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: My Favorite Photo — Purple ribbon, Reserve Champion Junior 4-H Photography Exhibit Human Development: Activity with a Younger Child — Blue ribbon Design My Place: Simple Home Accessory — Purple ribbon Sheep Showmanship: Jr. Showmanship 4-H Age 8-12 — Purple ribbon, Champion Junior Sheep Showman Market Sheep: Market Wether Lambs (All breeds) — Purple ribbon, Overall Reserve Champikon 4-H Market Sheep Floriculture: Marigold — Purple ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Swiss Chard — Blue ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Salad Tomatoes — Red ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Mint — Blue ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Parsley — Purple ribbon STEM Woodworking: Woodworking Article (Making The Cut) — Purple ribbon Gracie Long, Randolph

Beyond The Needle: Textile Arts Garment or Accessory — Purple ribbon Shopping in Style: Best Buy for Your Buck (Ages 8 - 13 before January 1 of the current year) — Blue ribbon Fashion Show: Modeled Shopping In Style Purchased Outfit — Blue ribbon Fashion Show: Modeled 11 & Younger Beyond the Needle Embellished or constructed garment or accessory — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Brownies — Blue ribbon Hazel Horning, Randolph

Clover Buds/Kids - Food and Nutrition: One Decorated Cupcake — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Food and Nutrition: Cookies — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Food and Nutrition: Other — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Thank You Card — Green ribbon Isabel Backer, Waterloo

ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: My Favorite Photo — Purple ribbon STEAM Clothing 1: Simple Bottom — Purple ribbon Kit Class: Lego Kit – must be in a container such as a flat pop box — Purple ribbon Design Decision: Tied Pillow or Blanket — Purple ribbon Fashion Show: Modeled STEAM 1 - 11 & Younger — Purple ribbon Judging Contests: Family & Consumer Science - Jr. Life Challenge (11 & Younger). — Purple ribbon Jaxson Korth, Randolph

Herdsmanship: Livestock and Small Animal 4-H Family — Purple ribbon Average Daily Gain: 4-H Market Beef - Steer — Red ribbon Beef Showmanship: Jr. Beef Showmanship 4-H Age 8-11 — Purple ribbon Market Beef: Crossbred Steers — Purple ribbon Lena Backer, Waterloo

ADVENTURES WITH YOUR CAMERA UNIT I: My Favorite Photo — Blue ribbon STEAM Clothing 1: Simple Bottom — Blue ribbon Design Decision: Tied Pillow or Blanket — Purple ribbon Fashion Show: Modeled STEAM 1, 12 & Older — Purple ribbon Judging Contests: Family & Consumer - Sr. Life Challenge (12 & Older). — Purple ribbon Levi Bach, Randolph

Sewing For Fun: Pillow — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Cookies/Bars — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Muffins — Blue ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: No Bake Cookie — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Snack Mix — Purple ribbon Food Preservation UNIT 2 DRYING: Fruit Leather — Blue ribbon Cake Decorating: Jr. Division Cupcakes — Blue ribbon Rabbit - Market Rabbits: Rabbit - Stewer — Blue ribbon Rabbit - Showmanship: Jr. Rabbit Showmanship 4-H Age 8-12 — Purple ribbon, Champion Junior Rabbit Showmanship Noah Bach, Randolph

Posters: Open Theme Poster — Blue ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Cookies/Bars — Purple ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Muffins — Blue ribbon Cooking 101 8- 11 year old: Cereal Bar Cookie — Purple ribbon Cooking 201 (11–14-year-olds): Biscuits or Scones — Purple ribbon, state fair Rabbit - Market Rabbits: Rabbit - Stewer — Purple ribbon Rabbit - Showmanship: Jr. Rabbit Showmanship 4-H Age 8-12 — Purple ribbon, Reserve Champion Junior Rabbit Showmanship Olivia Olson, Randolph

Clover Buds/Kids - Fiber Arts: Fiber Arts Project (Tie Pillow, Blanket, etc.) — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Nature: Nature Collection — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Recycle: Recycled design — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Other: Any other Clover Bud Exhibit — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids Animal Shows: Pee Wee Sheep Show — Green ribbon Olson Family, Randolph

Herdsmanship: Livestock and Small Animal 4-H Family — Purple ribbon Robinson Family, Randolph

Herdsmanship: Livestock and Small Animal 4-H Family — Purple ribbon Sydney Robinson, Randolph

Design Decision: Accessory –3D string art, wreaths, etc. — Purple ribbon Design Decision: Accessory –Recycled/Upcycled Item for the home — Purple ribbon VISUAL ART MEDIUMS: Original Acrylic Painting — Blue ribbon VISUAL ART MEDIUMS: Original Pencil Drawing — Purple ribbon, Champion 4-H Visual Arts Exhibit - state fair Food Preservation UNIT 2 DRYING: Dried Fruit — Blue ribbon Food Preservation UNIT 2 DRYING: Dried Herbs — Blue ribbon Swine Showmanship: Sr. Swine Showmanship 4-H Age 13-18 — Blue ribbon Market Swine: Market Gilts — Purple ribbon Market Swine: Market Barrows. — Purple ribbon Floriculture: Salvia — Purple ribbon Floriculture: Other Annual or Biennial — Blue ribbon Floriculture: Hydrangea (3 Stems) — Blue ribbon Floriculture: Rudbeckia/Black-eyed Susan — Blue ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Basil — Blue ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Mint — Blue ribbon Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, & Educational Exhibits: Oregano — Blue ribbon Sydney Robinson, Randolph

swine : None, Overall Reserve Champion Swine Exhibitor Tate Albers, Randolph

Clover Buds/Kids - Fiber Arts: Decorate a T-Shirt — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Thank You Card — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Decorated Sugar Cookies — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids Animal Shows: Pee Wee Rabbit Show — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - A Space For ME: Crayon Melt Print — Green ribbon Weston Albers, Randolph Clover Buds/Kids - Fiber Arts: Decorate a T-Shirt — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Thank You Card — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Decorated Sugar Cookies — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - A Space For ME: Crayon Melt Print — Green ribbon blue; Visual Art Mediums, Original Single Media Not Listed, blue; Design Decision, Accessory - Outdoor Living, purple; Swine Showmanship, Jr.

Swine Showmanship 4-H Age 8-12, purple, Reserve Champion Jr. Swine Showmanship; Design Decision, Accessory -2D, purple; Market Swine, Market Barrows, purple; Cooking 201 11-14 year old, Loaf Quick Bread, purple; Beyond the Needle, Fashion Accessory, blue.

Weston Albers, Randolph

Clover Buds/Kids - Fiber Arts: Decorate a T-Shirt — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Thank You Card — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - Helping Others: Decorated Sugar Cookies — Green ribbon Clover Buds/Kids - A Space For ME: Crayon Melt Print — Green ribbon

Silage season is just around the corner, but even before anything is cut, proper preparation now can improve chances of a successful harvest. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20 percent prior to feeding.

The enemy to good silage is oxygen. Quality silage needs anaerobic fermentation to occur to maintain quality and ensure stability over the storage period. While factors like moisture content at harvest and packing density are important to maintaining an oxygen-free environment, the physical location and way silage is stored can play an equally impactful role.

When too much oxygen is present in the silage pile, respiration occurs, turning plant sugars into heat and carbon dioxide. This results in lower forage quality and overall yield, though it may not look like it at first glance. The burning off of sugars during respiration causes the left over plant structural components to condense. In the end, the visible layer of spoilage often seen on silage piles may represent 2-3 times that amount, as layers shrink and condense while they degrade.

Respiration also produces heat. This heat build-up causes three negative outcomes in silage piles. First, it limits the activity of lactic acid bacteria. These microbes prevent protein binding to plant lignin during fermentation, without which feed becomes less digestible by the animal. Second, heat encourages the growth of undesirable fermentation bacteria, yeasts and molds, all of which lower forage quality and can reduce yield. Lastly, heat early on in the ensiling process can end up with browning caused by a Maillard reaction. While these browned bits may be highly palatable, they are a sign of denatured protein, once again lowering silage quality. Maillard browning produces even more heat during reaction, increasing the risk that temperatures rise to the point spontaneous combustion is possible.

Selecting a good storage location is the first step we need to tackle. Bags and piles should be placed on elevated locations that allow snow and rain to drain away from the silage and feed out area. Special consideration should be taken for snow drift patterns to prevent restricted access during the winter.

Equipment traffic for feeding out of a pile or bag will be high and the ground will take a beating, Sites with poor drainage can result in ruts and mud holes making feeding more difficult. Provide plenty of room around the silage for maneuvering of equipment during both harvest and feed out. Finally, keep the area around bags or piles away from trees, trash piles and other possible Minion

shelters for small animals. Creatures like mice, squirrels and other small animals will gnaw holes in silage coverings, seeking food and shelter. By limiting possible shelters, keeping weeds and grass around silage trimmed up and immediately repairing any holes noticed, wildlife damage can be kept to a minimum. Once we’ve selected a location, how we plan to store our silage needs to be considered. Bagged silage is a versatile option that allows the storage location to move year to year. An additional bonus is the oxygen-free environment right away, especially if we are vigilant in repairing any holes or tears in the bag.

Silage piles are the more traditional approach and can allow for greater volumes of silage to be stored in a smaller area. Placing your pile on a cement pad or bunker is optimal for oxygen exclusion, but be sure to check these structures for cracks and repair any that are found annually to maintain their integrity. If silage is an annual feedstuff on your operation, the reduced loss a permanent structure provides can offset the cost when spread out over several years.

Even temporary piles can be made more oxygen-free if planned for ahead. Line the sides of your planned pile with bales and place an oxygen barrier plastic down on the sides and for several feet under the bottom to really seal the pile’s sides. At a bare minimum, placing plastic on top of the pile is an investment worth the time, labor and money.

By covering the pile we prevent oxygen from moving into the pile from the top and reduce precipitation exposure. Both rain and snow can penetrate the pile if uncovered, bringing more oxygen into the pile dissolved in the water itself, can throw off fermentation by upsetting the moisture balance leading to spoilage and can result in the pile “weeping” and leaching out valuable energy and protein.

Corn silage is a valuable feed resource, but can suffer from high levels of loss when stored incorrectly. Whether choosing temporary option like bag or drive over pile or something more permanent like a concrete bunker, doing what you can to keep oxygen out of your silage requires planning now. Pick an appropriate location for harvest and feed out success and store correctly to minimize feed losses later on.

-Ben Beckman is a beef systems Extension Educator serving northeast Nebraska. He is based out of the Cedar County Extension office in Hartington. You can reach him by phone: (402) 254-6821 or email: ben. beckman@unl.edu

RANDOLPH — Construction projects at Randolph Public Schools remain on schedule as the district prepares for the start of the 2026-27 school year, with elementary staff expected to move into renovated classrooms during the final week of August.

Randolph Superintendent Daryl Schrunk said teachers will be able to prepare their classrooms Aug. 24-28, and the district’s staggered start dates remain unchanged.

Students in grades 7-12 will begin classes Aug. 13, while kindergarten through sixth grade students will start Aug. 31, a delayed opening that was approved earlier this year to accommodate construction.

Summer work has included completion of the elementary school’s second-floor remodel, an upper first-floor restroom renovation, relocation of information technology equipment, removal of the library stage and the start of a kitchen addition. Air conditioning installation in the high school gym is expected to be completed in August, and construction continues on the district’s new career and technical education building.

Schrunk said the project has experienced no major delays.

“We are excited to have the community walk through it this fall,” he said.

Construction will continue during the school year. Completion of the south first-floor restroom and the elementary kitchen addition is expected by Christmas break, while the first-floor remodel is scheduled to wrap up by summer 2027. The new CTE building is anticipated to open in spring 2027.

The only significant classroom adjustment this year will involve agricultural education classes, which will temporarily meet in high school classrooms while construction of the new CTE facility continues.

Schrunk said the improvements will modernize the district’s facilities with upgraded lighting, heating and cooling systems, and windows and electrical infrastructure, while creating a more comfortable learning environment for students and staff that allows education to be the primary focus.

The new elementary kitchen also will eliminate the need to transport elementary students to the high school for lunch, allowing the district to reclaim instructional time.

The district plans to provide families with additional information before school begins as construction progresses.

“We anticipate there will be adjustments needing to be made and we will communicate those the best we can throughout the construction of our project,” Schrunk said.

Schrunk also credited the Randolph community for supporting the facility improvements.

“The future for the children of Randolph is very bright because the community has supported this project,” he said. “It takes a village to raise a child. The community of Randolph understands that and is committed to ensuring ‘Where Tomorrow is Built Today!’ is not just a slogan but a reality that we strive for every day.”

The council introduced and approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 775, which would annex two tracts of land in C.A. Kissinger’s Addition in Pierce County. The property includes Lot 5 and Lots 1, 2 and 3.

Several community members attended the meeting to ask what benefits the proposed annexation would provide.

“The betterment of Randolph in general,” Councilman Todd Greiner said.

The properties are not currently included on the city’s tax rolls, meaning the city receives little tax revenue from the area even though some properties already benefit from city utilities and other services.

Randolph Farm Supply, which is located on one of the tracts, approached the city several months ago about the possibility of annexation. The business is constructing a new building and would like access to the full range of city services.

The ordinance must be approved on two additional readings before the annexation can become final.

The council also discussed extending city sewer infrastructure across Highway 20 to property where Greg Villwok plans to construct a truck wash. Council members said the expansion could also encourage future business or residential development in the area by providing access to the city sewer system.

The city asked its engineering firm, JEO Consulting Group, to study possible routes for extending the sewer line.

JEO recommended beginning at a manhole near Bobo’s Express on Main Street, extending the line north to Highway 20 and crossing the highway before continuing to the proposed truck wash site.

The preliminary cost estimate for the project is approximately $1 million.

Randolph’s sewer system operates primarily through gravity flow. Engineers considered another possible highway crossing, but that option would require construction of a lift station, increasing the cost of the project.

The council agreed to continue researching the proposal and seek answers to several questions, including a more complete estimate of the project’s total cost, before moving forward.

In other business, the council approved a building permit for Mike Schmit and a curb-grinding permit for Mitch Stratham.

The council also approved Christiansen Construction to complete renovations at the Randolph swimming pool.

Council members accepted the resignations of Craig Flaming and Angela Nordhues from the Randolph Planning Commission. Anyone interested in filling one of the vacancies is encouraged to contact the city office.

RANDOLPH — Howard Willey of this city returned last week from Fort Snelling where he has completed the course of five weeks training in the citizen’s military camp.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Market report for this week: hogs, $8.00 to $9.00; corn, 38c; oats, 25c.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Miss Amanda Albers returned this week from her vacation spent at Atlantic, Manning, and other Iowa points. John Casteel has been filling her place in the post office.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Kenneth Cook, son of Dr. A.

E. Cook, has received notice of his selection to the citizens’ military training camp at Fort Snelling.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Alfred Reese, a Randolph lad, won third place in the shot put in the international field meet held last Saturday at Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Reese came across the Atlantic with the athletes of Oxford university.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — The rain last Friday night and Saturday was just about an inch as measured by the Security bank gauge.

The wet weather held up threshing and grain stacking, but most certainly is the guarantee of a corn crop.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Peter and Anton Kohnen left Randolph Monday morning for Dyersville, Iowa, where they will attend the funeral of their uncle who died at West Point.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — Randolph fans saw some of the ball games and the airplane, and chautauqua and big time in general at Magnet this week.

July 28, 1921

RANDOLPH — The Allen ball team gave Randolph a trouncing on the local grounds Sunday, 7 to 3. Baird pitched for Randolph. Dickson, an ex-Western Leaguer, pitched for Allen.

BELDEN — J. B. Gossard, Emil Johnson and J. F. Noecker are authority for the statement that there is a wild deer (spelled with two e’s) in this vicinity.

One day the latter part of last week while returning from an auto trip to the country northwest of town and when they were about two and one half miles out of town the animal was seen standing in the middle of the road.

The car was slowed down in an attempt to get quite close to the animal but it took fright and, clearing a four-strand barbed wire fence with astonishing ease, it sped away to the west.

July 15, 1926

BELDEN — Belden’s base ball sluggers met the fast Sholes club Sunday afternoon on the home ground.

The game went to 11 innings, Sholes winning by a score of 15 to 17. The score was close all the way through and the fans had plenty of thrills.

A young man by the name of Smith was on the mound for Belden and Benjamin and Creamer did the catching.

July 15, 1926

BELDEN — Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Locke have their household goods advertised for sale and as soon as matters can be arranged will move to Lincoln where Mr. Locke has a position offered him by a grain company.

Mr. Locke has made his home in Belden for over 30 years and is well known all over northeast Nebraska.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — The arrest of Harry Gray, 40, at Clay Center on Saturday, revealed the whereabouts of a Ford coupe belonging to Sam Black, which was stolen from the streets of Randolph last Aug. 13, nearly a year ago.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — A court of the Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters was inducted Sunday afternoon with a class of 43 Catholic women taking ceremonial work.

Mrs. Matilda Borasloux, a representative of the High Court at Chicago, was induction officer.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — John Gillespie, president of the local fire department, Ralph Hahn, vice-president, and Harry Sellon, fire chief, drove to Wakefield Monday evening, where they assisted in preliminary organization of the Northeast Nebraska Firemen’s association.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — Market report for this week: hogs, $9.00 to $12.50; corn, 75c; oats, 35c.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — Forty-nine hundredths of an inch of rain, which fell early this morning, put a smile on everyone’s face and brightened up a dusty, draught-besprinkled community that had been without rainfall for a three-week period.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — The five members of the Girl Reserves, who have been at Camp Sheldon, a state Y. M. C. A. Camp near Columbus, the past week, returned home Wednesday of last week.

While at camp the five Randolph girls annexed 21 individual ribbons and second team honors.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — J. Bolger, district inspector for Northwestern Bell Telephone company, was in Randolph last week inspecting the long distance lines switchboards and other telephone equipment in this territory.

July 29, 1926

RANDOLPH — Gillespie Brothers this week placed a fine Mehlin and Sons grand piano in the A. J. Obert home.

A piano of this make is distinctively high grade in which there is to be found every mark of artistic skill and progress.

RANDOLPH — Miss Bernie Wintz, daughter of Mrs. Sadie Wintz, was chosen by judges of the beauty pageant Tuesday night as “Miss Randolph.”

Her expenses and those of her chaperon will be paid to the state fair at Lincoln where she will enter competition with hundreds of other Nebraska girls for the title of “Miss Nebraska.” The state winner is eligible for the national contest and “Miss America” honors.

The judges were three men from Wakefield who performed their difficult task deliberately, taking plenty of time in considering the points on which their decision was based, viz: facial beauty, personal charm, figure, and grace. The judges qualified by declaring that they knew none of the contestants and had not been approached in the interest of any contestant.

Jos. G. Rogers, as master of ceremonies, performed his duties impartially and efficiently and he must be given due credit, together with his co-workers, G. F. Heady and Chas. Peterson for the success of the pageant.

The Orpheum stage was too small to show all contestants at once, and after the first appearance, singly, when each was introduced by Mr. Rogers, the candidates were divided into three groups, each girl carrying a number. Five were eliminated from each group after the first “group” appearance, then four were eliminated. The girls remaining then formed one group which was gradually cut down until the judges were asked to pick the winner. Miss Wintz was number 13, the famous unlucky number.

Miss Wintz made the final appearance alone and received hearty applause.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — Last Friday was a scorcher — 112 at Randolph and higher at other Nebraska points.

A little shower Monday was the turning point. South Dakota, parts of Iowa and Minnesota had good rains Sunday and Monday, over an inch at Yankton, 1.26 inches at Winner, half inch at Page, a quarter inch at O’Neill.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — This is to notify people of District 18, Pierce county, that the annual picnic enjoyed by this group for a number of years past, has been definitely canceled for this year.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — To help in the cooling process the Randolph Ice Co. under the management of H. L. Sherwood, has operated to capacity, which means 24 hours a day, during July. The ice plant produced six tons of ice every 24 hours and has sold all of it. Last Saturday only about 30 cakes were in storage and these together with Saturday’s 6-ton run went out that night and Sunday.

Six tons a day for 30 days means 360,000 pounds of pure commercial ice from filtered water. The excellent quality of Randolph ice has found for the local product a market in nearby towns. Laurel takes one and a half tons every day; Wausa about one ton, with consumption there on the increase; Belden and Magnet are also supplied from the Randolph plant. However, the bulk of the product is sold here and in the country nearby.

Three people are employed at the plant, working in shifts: They are Mr. Sherwood, manager; F. E. Courtney and Quillen Fox.

Despite the increased use of electric refrigeration in Randolph, there is still a very urgent need for the manufacture of ice here. Mr. Sherwood informs us that had there been a good amount of ice in the storage vaults at the plant, when he took over the management, he could easily have sold the additional tonnage. Despite a poor start the Randolph ice plant has been equal to the heat wave of July.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — Cedar county was shocked last Thursday to hear of the death of Joe B. Larson, 56, county clerk and his twin daughters, Virginia and Lorayne, 27. Mrs. Larson was critically injured at the time her husband and daughters lost their lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson and daughters left Hartington early that morning for Minneapolis to visit in Minneapolis and to enjoy fishing in Minnesota lakes as a vacation. At 7 o’clock at a point 11 miles west of Allen on No. 20, one mile of the junction with No. 9 and near the Everett Carr farm, the Larson car and an empty stock truck driven by Jay Mattee, 27, of Dixon, met in a side swipe, the auto going partly under the high rack of the truck.

Mr. Larson was instantly killed when his head was crushed; one daughter was also instantly killed, her skull crushed, one arm broken, and deep cuts and bruises; the other daughter sustained a skull fracture, many bruises and internal injuries. She died after 30 minutes.

Mrs. Larson received several severe skull injuries, cuts and bruises and it was feared, internal injuries. She was taken from the scene of the accident to St. John’s hospital in Hartington by two young men from Allen. At this writing she is still living, her condition showing some improvement.

At the point where the accident occurred the road is level and the view ahead unobstructed, the sides of the highway is also without deep ditches or a deep drop, one of few such spots along the route. Just what happened to cause the accident is not known. An eye witness was C. A. Dunaway of Plainview, a truck driver. An investigation by county Attorney Newton of Ponca resulted in no charges being filed against Mattee.

Joe B. Larson has lived in Cedar county 29 years. He was proprietor of the Anchor Grain Co. at Laurel for six years and for 21 years a member of the firm of Peck & Larson at Laurel. In the fall of 1934 he was elected clerk of Cedar County.

The participants ranked four head of livestock in each class of market swine, market beef, and breeding ewes. The main goal of this fun activity is to learn a good decision-making process by evaluating the characteristics of the animals, comparing them to the others in the class, and measuring them against a standard to select high-quality livestock.

Evelyn Lammers, Calvin Lammers, Paisley Foxhoven, Halley Lewon and Romy Thompson participated in the contest as Clover Kids.

In the Junior Division, Oakley Foxhoven received a purple ribbon and the Junior Division Champion medal. Colt Thompson received a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Harley Tanderup and Brecken Lammers were blue ribbon winners.

In the Intermediate Division, Maya Brummels received a purple ribbon and the Intermediate Division Champion medal. Harrison Winkelbauer received a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Clara Winkelbauer also received a purple ribbon. Blue ribbon winners were Elle White, Heidi Lewon, Ollie Lammers, Simon Lammers, Chesney Foxhoven and Emma Hochstein. Receiving a red ribbon were Sawyer Tanderup, Luke Lammers, and Maverick Tanderup.

In the Senior Division Nolan Nordby received a purple ribbon and the Senior Division Champion medal. Gus Lammers was the recipient of a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Stella Graham also received a purple ribbon. Blue ribbon winners were Breah Steffen and Jayden Lordemann.

The adults were also invited to participate in the contest. Participating were Erica and Derek Foxhoven, Tucker Lammers, June Heyden, Troy Lammers, Zach Thompson, Kelvin and Cynthia Putney, Carol Bruning, Terry and LouAnn Dendinger and Alicia Tanderup.

All of the 4-H events and contests can only be made possible through the help of a great many people volunteering their time. Ty Dybdal, Emma Lammers and Allison Claussen assessed the livestock and determined the official placing order for their respective classes. Larry and Krista Dybdal, Melissa Lordemann, and members of the Bow Creek 4-H Club assisted in the livestock judging contest. The livestock judged were provided by 4-H members exhibiting at the fair.

This year’s Champion Medals for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions in the Livestock Judging were sponsored by Cedar Security Bank, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, and Security Bank. and the reserve champion rosettes were sponsored by Cedar County Ag Society.

Overall, students from 32 states and 27 nations graduated, and more than 90 students received two or more degrees or certificates from a college.

Hannah Kleinschmit of Coleridge graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

Ethan Becker of Hartington graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Carson Jones of Hartington graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Morgan Blecher of Pierce graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an undergraduate certificate from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Max Cooper of Pierce graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences.

Nicholas Erickson of Pierce graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.

Samantha Fischer of Pierce graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Dakota Marks of Pierce graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

Nebraska Association of County Officials Deputy Director Candace Meredith provided commissioners with an overview of new legislation at Tuesday’s meeting.

Among the changes is LB663, which establishes required timelines, commonly referred to as “shot clocks,” for counties to act on conditional use permits and zoning applications.

Meredith said the legislation is intended to create greater consistency while ensuring applications move through the review process in a timely manner.

Meredith also explained changes to Nebraska’s Truth in Taxation process, commonly associated with the pink postcards mailed to property owners each year.

Meredith said residents should expect to receive pink postcards later than they have in previous years.

She said the delay is the result of the mailing timeline established under the new legislation, shortening the window between when taxpayers receive the notices and when local governments hold budget hearings.

While the notices will still be sent, she said the delay raises concerns the compressed timeline may leave residents with less opportunity to review the information and participate in the process.

Additional legislation allows counties greater flexibility in records retention by expanding the use of electronic storage rather than requiring records to be preserved on microfilm.

She also reviewed legislation that failed to advance this session, including proposals involving inheritance taxes and additional local sales tax authority for counties, noting both issues are expected to return in future legislative sessions.

Emergency Manager Kevin Garvin reported Cedar County recently received $44,831.68 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Performance Grant program, which Garvin said was an annual grant.

Also Tuesday, the board approved a resolution authorizing Board Chairman Richard Donner to sign an agreement with the Neb. Dept. of Transportation for a planned passing lanes project scheduled for 2028.

Cedar County Highway Superintendent Carla Schmit said the project will include construction of new passing lanes along Highway 81 and improvements affecting county road intersections near Pleasant Valley.

The agreement allows the county to coordinate with NDOT as planning for the project continues.

Commissioners approved Special Designated Liquor Licenses for Nissen Wine for receptions slated for Aug. 8, Sept. 4, Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Dec. 5.

The board also approved building permits for Wesley Wortmann, Pct. 5, for a 36-by-100-foot hoop barn; Larry Jensen, Pct. 14, for a 40-by-40-foot shouse; Clint and Kara Culliton, Pct. 2, for a 2,000 square foot house and 40-by-60-foot post barn; Brian Lange, Pct. 4, for a 60-by-100-foot machine shed and lean-to; and Skyles Kinkaid, Pct. 11, for a 50-by-70foot office building.

For the Tanderup family of rural Hartington, that means months of caring for animals, preparing projects and juggling busy schedules, an experience shared by countless 4-H families across Cedar County.

Although every family's fair week looks a little different, the Tanderups' experience reflects the commitment shared by many 4-H families whose work happens long before the first judge steps into the ring.

For Alicia and Karl Tanderup and their children — Maverick, 13, Sawyer, 11, and Harley, 9 — 4-H isn't something that begins during fair week. It's a year-round commitment built on early mornings, daily chores and lessons that extend far beyond the fairgrounds.

Their youngest daughter, Lilyann, 1 1/2, is still a few years away from becoming a Clover Kid, but Alicia already jokes she'll have plenty of experience by watching her older siblings.

“Our family has been involved in 4-H for five years with our kids, and our involvement continues to grow each year,” Alicia said. “We're continuing to learn something each year or deciding to try something new.”

That willingness to try new things has become a family tradition. Alicia grew up participating in Dixon County 4-H, showing rabbits, dogs, cats and static exhibits, while her mother, grandmother and other relatives were also active in the program. Today, both sides of the family help support the children's projects.

“We're just one big family wanting everyone to succeed,” she said.

This year, the Tanderup children exhibited rabbits, poultry and bucket calves, along with static projects including welding, woodworking, photography and baked goods.

Preparing for the fair begins weeks, and often months, in advance, all while balancing baseball, softball and other summer activities.

“The weeks before the fair are very busy with daily animal care, grooming, practicing showmanship, completing record books and getting projects ready for judging,” Alicia said. “Feeding, watering, cleaning, health checks and handling animals take time every day, not just during fair season.”

Those months of preparation culminate in one hectic week where schedules often overlap.

On Thursday, while the bucket calf show was still underway, rabbits and poultry needed to be checked in at the same time. Because the family's livestock had already been stalled the evening before, one of the boys was able to check in his siblings' entries while the rest of the family remained at the cattle show.

“We rely on schedules, checklists, teamwork and plenty of communication to make sure everyone gets where they need to be,” Alicia said.

She said bringing livestock to the fairgrounds the night before check-in has become one of the family's best strategies.

“It's definitely so much less stressful,” she said. “Yes, we're making extra trips to check and feed the animals, but it's worth it.”

Fair week can be exhausting, she admits, but it's also one of the highlights of the year.

“The days are long, but the excitement and memories make it worthwhile,” Alicia said.

Even amid the packed schedule, the family tries to pause long enough to walk through exhibits, visit with friends and discover a new vendor before another fair season slips by. For Alicia, however, the greatest rewards aren't measured by ribbons.

She said one of her proudest moments comes when her children eagerly choose projects to present during interview judging.

“You immediately see them light up,” she said. “They're proud of their own accomplishments and excited to tell the story behind their project.”

Through 4-H, she's watched her children develop confidence, communication skills, time management and problem-solving abilities while learning responsibility and perseverance.

“I hope they remember more than the ribbons and awards,” Alicia said. “I hope they remember the early mornings, the hard work, the responsibility of caring for their animals and the time we spent together as a family.”

She hopes those lessons stay with her children long after they leave 4-H behind.

“Most of all, I hope they look back and realize that 4-H helped shape them into hardworking, caring and capable adults who aren't afraid to take on new challenges,” Alicia said.

When Alicia looks across the fairgrounds each summer, she sees more than livestock barns and exhibit halls. She sees a community built around young people learning, growing and supporting one another.

“4-H brings people together,” she said. “Whether you live in town or on a small farm, we're all part of this community. There's something here for everyone to learn, get involved with and grow.”

LAUREL — In his first visit to Cedar County as a Presidential candidate, S.D. Sen. George McGovern told 50 people at the Wagon Wheel in Laurel the Nixon administration has made a ‘deliberate effort’ to hold down farm prices in order to combat inflation. McGovern also said Nixon is vulnerable in farm states, as well.

July 21, 1976

HARTINGTON — Preparations are currently underway for the 1976 Cedar County Fair which will be held Aug. 5, 6, 7, and 8. Premium lists for the fair have been distributed to the 4-H clubs and FFA Chapters.

The advance Cedar County Fair Admission Tickets will also go on sale July 24. This ticket is good for the entry of one person 16 years of age and older at all regular exhibitions of the 1976 Cedar County Fair. All children up to and including 15 years of age along with 4-H and FFA exhibitors will receive free admittance. July 21, 1976

BELDEN — An intense electrical storm which accompanied a Thursday morning thunderstorm last week caused an unestimated amount of damage to Pete’s Market in Belden.

Lightning was blamed for damaging the interior of the store, according to Mr. and Mrs. Arland Pederson, the owners. Insurance may cover the loss.

The storm hit the community about 3:30 a.m., but wasn’t discovered until Mrs. Pederson opened at 8 a.m.

Light fixtures were not operating and the meat counter area was extensively damaged. A radio and telephone were charred and fell onto a wrapping table then to the floor.

The generator in an ice cream freezer in the front burned out. The contents were moved to a nearby cooler and the store opened after electricians fixed other coolers. Strong wind accompanied the storm and there was minor tree damage.

Winds blew over corn, potato and tomato plants in gardens. About an inch of rain fell Tuesday and Wednesday.

Aug. 5, 1976

RANDOLPH — Mark Viergutz graduated from the two year Agricultural Banking program at the Pipestone Area Vocational Technical Institute in Pipestone, Minn. on Sunday, July 25. Mark, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Viergutz , is employed at the Toy National Bank in Sioux City, Iowa.

Aug. 5, 1976

RANDOLPH — Rosemary Urban, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Urban, will receive her Master of Art and Science degree from Kearney State College on Friday. Miss Urban, a 1967 graduate of the Randolph Public School, has attended Wayne, Kearney and Chadron State Colleges. She will be teaching in the high school at the Axtel Public School for the coming term.

Aug. 5, 1976

RANDOLPH —Two members of the Randolph FFA Chapter participated in the District FFA Tractor Operators Contest at Madison Aug. 2. Vernon Heese placed 7th and received a blue ribbon, John Lange placed 12th and received a red ribbon.

Aug. 5, 1976

RANDOLPH — Dolly Kruse of Norfolk, state hospital chairman of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary attended the meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 5545 on Wednesday evening, at which time she presented pins to the local auxiliary members in honor of their hospital hours earned. Awarded pins were Mrs. Ben Lienemann, Katherine Hosch, Mrs. Pearl Bauer and Mrs. Henry Sauser.

RANDOLPH — LeRoy Allison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Allison and a graduate of the Randolph Public School, will be principal of the Blair schools for the fall term. Allison has been principal at Cambridge for the past five years.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — Miss Bernie Wintz, daughter of Mrs. Sadie Wintz, was chosen by the judges of the beauty pageant Tuesday night as “Miss Randolph”. Her expenses and those of her chaperone will be paid to the state Fair at Lincoln where she will enter competition with other Nebraska girls for the title of “Miss Nebraska”.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — Mrs. S.S. Gibson, Bob, Bill and Ruth Ann and Mrs. Gibson’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bartels of Wayne left Thursday for Yellowstone Park where they will visit Mrs. Gibson’s sister who has a cabin in the recreation area.

July 30, 1936

RANDOLPH — George Andrew, farmer northwest of Randolph, attended a district conference on compliance for soil conservation on Monday at Wayne.

July 31, 1941

RANDOLPH — Gov. Dwight Griswold on Monday announced the appointment of Miss Sylvia Reese of this city to the state board of nurse examiners, succeeding Ida B. Sommer, Stanton, resigned. Miss Reese will serve until 1942.

Her new duties include helping prepare and conduct the annual state board examinations for nurses and to pass on qualifications of nurses applying for license to practice in Nebraska. There are four other members on the board.

Miss Reese left early Tuesday for Lincoln and on Wednesday was inducted into her new office at the capitol.

RANDOLPH — The Randolph Community Club Fair culminated with the presentation of community awards Sunday evening at the beef barbecue.

The winners for 2006 were: Employee of the Year, Ruthie Kumm, award was presented by 2005 winner, Barb Burbach; Farm Family of the Year, Warren and Debbie Brunssen, award was presented by 2005 winner, Paul and Corinne Schmit; Good Neighbor of the Year, Darrin and Tina Nordhues, award was presented by 2005 winner Peggy Leiting.

Each recipient earned a special plaque in honor of their recognition.

July 12, 2006

RANDOLPH — Randolph and Wausa United Methodist Churches welcomed their new pastor July 2.

Pastor Sam Johnston, who replaces Rev. Janis Soule, following her retirement in June, comes to the churches from Weeping Water and Nehawka after a seven-year stint with the two churches.

Johnston, who has been in the ministry since 1994, when she began serving the Sargent and Comstock Methodist Churches, was no stranger to the life of a minister.

She is the wife of a Methodist minister, Pastor Murry Jay Johnston.

He was also introduced to his new parishioners at the Laurel Methodist Church and Logan Center Methodist Church July 2.

Sammy began to hear the call to serve in ministry beyond her service as an active minister’s wife and mother in 1993. Her first step was a mission trip to help with Hurricane Andrew clean up.

Following this journey she felt God was calling her to do even more, and began the process to obtain a certificate as a licensed local pastor.

This process began with Pastor Johnston working to obtain her license to preach, then attending St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo., through a program that would allow her to go through a course of study one month out of each summer for five years.

During these months she attended intense seminary classes. When not in classes, she was allowed to work first-hand with the churches in Sargent and Comstock earning hands-on training. She served these churches for five years and graduated in 1999 as a licensed local pastor. Pastor Johnston said it was her mission to share God’s love.

July 12, 2006

RANDOLPH — In a special school board meeting Monday, July 10, the Randolph Board of Education adopted a resolution regarding the lease agreement with Musco Finance for the purchase and installation of new lights for the football field.

The board also considered the option of installing emergency lighting at the field. Superintendent Ted Hillman will research the insurance requirements, if any, for emergency lighting and report at the regular monthly board meeting.

The board also voted to employ Billerbeck Construction of Randolph for the pouring of concrete bases at the high jump pit and long jump-triple jump runways. Two bids were received for this project with the successful bid for labor costs at $4,450. The board agreed to accept the bid contingent upon a completion date no later than Aug. 10. After the concrete bases are established, the areas will be surfaced by Nebraska Rubber Innovations of O’Neill.